This Is How InStyle Fashion Editors Survive NYFW in the Winter

Let’s not get this wrong: New York Fashion Week in February is brutal to say the least. Not only are we fighting the traffic, the crowds, the internalized panic as we try to stumble into our small seated rows to catch a glimpse of what might possibly be the Next Big Thing in fashion, and all the while trying to look as graceful and casually ethereal as possible, because, well, street-style photogs are lurking on every corner—we’re also fighting the Polar Vortex.

Sub-zero, face-eating temperatures don’t make fashion week any easier, but hey—InStyle editors are veterans of this kind of stuff. And lucky for you, we’re letting you in on our winter fashion week survival secrets. From velvet socks to fur-lined everything, edge forward and start shopping for everything you’ll need to join us at NYFW. Or to survive the next blizzard.

1.
OPAQUE TIGHTS

“When it’s the kind of cold that makes shoving my hands in my pockets more appealing than tapping my phone, I'll wear tights (spring for the Wolfords—they are warmer and more comfortable than anything else out there, and last forever) and a turtleneck bodysuit under high-waisted skinny jeans. Over-the-knee boots and thick cardigan offer one more layer of protection before I throw my biggest, coziest overcoat on top. And if that doesn’t work? I drink hot tea while I walk. It heats me up from the inside!” – Alison Syrett, Fashion Writer

3.
CHIC FUR-TRIMMED PARKA

“My secret to staying warm is all about the layering. I pick a coat and plan everything else around that. I usually wear a long-sleeve shirt or a turtleneck under a sweater under a thin jacket under a coat. To me there is nothing worse than being cold. I find that I can get by without a hood, but for those snowy days running to shows and presentations, a hood really keeps you so much warmer! Love this Mr and Mrs Italy parka.” –Elana Zajdman, Accessories Editor

4.
VELVET SOCKS

"I absolutely adore these velvet socks by Darner. I love having them peek out from my favorite sneakers, and they keep my feet warm when I'm running around all day to shows. They come in tons of colors—even glitter, for the days you want a little sparkle." – Taylor Reagan, Accessories Assistant

5.
INSULATING BODYSUITS

“I will layer a bodysuit under almost every outfit during Fashion Week in February. They insulate surprisingly well, but are fitted enough to go undetected under the second layer. Depending on my top, I’ll eIther wear Wolford's turtleneck bodysuit, or Boody’s thin-strap version.” –Callie Turner, Fashion Assistant

6.
VERSATILE OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS

"Manolo Blahnik boots – the low-block heel makes them comfortable to wear from 8 a.m. until midnight, and they go with everything, from cropped tailored pants to long skirts and dresses. And they're super chic with a belted maxi coat—no matter what you have underneath." —Melissa Rubini, Fashion Director

7.
COZY WOOL AND CASHMERE

"This season I plan to stock up on over-the-knee wool socks to wear under trouser pants and jeans—since my shorter knee-high pairs always fall down. I also like to have a giant cashmere wrap to wear as a scarf for extra warmth!" – Kristina Rutkowski, Market Editor

8.
ULTRA-CHIC PUFFER COAT

"I usually get by with a 'fashion puffer.' In years past, my go-to was the ridiculously huge Sherman jacket by Isabel Marant (a version of which, I was pleased to see, was also owned by Emmanuelle Alt), but at this point it’s on its last legs. Also it was so big that I’d often bump into people, making my way to my seat—but that’s another story. This season, I’ve been wearing Aritzia’s Steppe coat, which has a cool cut and is pretty warm for how ridiculously light it is. I actually copied Alison Syrett on this one (thanks, A!). It’s on sale right now for $150, so have at it." –Stephanie Trong, Fashion Features Editor

9.
COLORFUL SCARF

"I love throwing on a cute scarf for extra warmth, like this one from Jocelyn. During fashion week, you’re doing a lot of running around, and a scarf is the best way for me to regulate my temperature. Feeling the breeze? Coil several times around the neck. Overheating? Wrap loosely around or toss it over your large tote. It looks relaxed, and the adorable pom poms add interest." —LaShauna Williams, Senior Credits Editor

11.
STATEMENT SOCKS

"I’m a huge fan of Uniqlo’s heat tech and have stocked up on it for years. But this year, I’m most excited about my Liana socks (insider information: the designer is the sister of jewelry designer Alison Lou). These socks are not only warm but make a statement, fashionably speaking. They’re warm on their own, but thin enough to layer if we're faced with the Polar Vortex." —Ruthie Friedlander, Site Director

12.
LIGHTWEIGHT PARKA

"I plan to wear this 3.1 Phillip Lim parka during NYFW—it is perfect for layering underneath another coat or on its own. It's also super lightweight, which makes it great for running from show to show and squeezing into small seated rows." —Ali Pew, Senior Style Editor